FITNESS CHAT at 11 a.m.: Ask the experts all about BOXING for fitness. Is it for you?

By Prue Salasky

On Friday, February 25, at 11 a.m. we had a live Web chat on Boxing and general fitness www.dailypress.com. Once confined to professionals and would-be professionals, boxing has become one of the most popular classes at gyms everywhere for men, women and children who want to get fit or stay fit. Kelli Paul, owner of Bootcamp Fitness, and Coach Lloyd Jones of Newport News Boxing Club answered your questions about boxing for all ages and fitness levels.

But, I also provide extra time for stretching since I want the full hour for burn

Friday February 25, 2011 11:19 BootcampFitness

11:20

BootcampFitness:

For Kickboxing and Bootcamps, we all work together as a team and I focus on the individuals and what I know to be their personal goals, injuries, etc. That way, I can provide modifications for different levels.

Friday February 25, 2011 11:20 BootcampFitness

11:21

Prue:

Can you explain the difference between regular boxing and kickboxing. Is one more suitable for certain people/ages than the other?

Friday February 25, 2011 11:21 Prue

11:21

Coach Jones NN Boxing Cl:

We are a boxing gym our feet stay on the ground!

Friday February 25, 2011 11:21 Coach Jones NN Boxing Cl

11:22

Coach Jones NN Boxing Cl:

Kickicboxing is great fun and when done right self defense as well

Friday February 25, 2011 11:22 Coach Jones NN Boxing Cl

11:22

Prue:

Coach Jones -- is it difficult for some people to actually punch someone else? How do you teach that without going too far?

Friday February 25, 2011 11:22 Prue

11:22

BootcampFitness:

The Kickboxing is incorporating the general idea of full body contact, yet 100% cardio for the entire hour and punching and kicking in the air or on mitts

Friday February 25, 2011 11:22 BootcampFitness

11:22

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]

I want to seet up a home gym. What equipment would I need for boxing

Friday February 25, 2011 11:22 John

11:23

Coach Jones NN Boxing Cl:

It really is not that hard because we all are here for thr same reaso. not everyone is going to hit or be hit

Friday February 25, 2011 11:23 Coach Jones NN Boxing Cl

11:23

BootcampFitness:

For a home gym, you would need a heavy bag, hanging or standing. You also need the proper gloves and handwraps.

Friday February 25, 2011 11:23 BootcampFitness

11:24

Coach Jones NN Boxing Cl:

A heavy bag, Speed bag,gloves and handwraps and and get trained propely.

Friday February 25, 2011 11:24 Coach Jones NN Boxing Cl

11:24

Prue:

Where can you get that equipment? How heavy should the bag be?

Friday February 25, 2011 11:24 Prue

11:25

Coach Jones NN Boxing Cl:

Start with a light bag about 70pds

Friday February 25, 2011 11:25 Coach Jones NN Boxing Cl

11:25

Prue:

Readers: we're talking to two experts in fitness and boxing. You can ask your questions until 1 p.m.

Friday February 25, 2011 11:25 Prue

11:26

Coach Jones NN Boxing Cl:

Any sporting good store or go on line there are good deals out there

Friday February 25, 2011 11:26 Coach Jones NN Boxing Cl

11:26

BootcampFitness:

I personally use a standing heavy bag with a water base...it allows my clients to kick and punch it and push it across the floor as well

Friday February 25, 2011 11:26 BootcampFitness

11:26

Prue:

Kelli and Coach Jones -- Could you let readers know where your gyms are and how they can contact you if they have questions.

Friday February 25, 2011 11:26 Prue

11:26

[Comment From DPDP: ]

As a Client of Kelli's and a relative new comer to kick-boxing it is very easy to get started and a great workout with a lots of cardio

Friday February 25, 2011 11:26 DP

11:28

Coach Jones NN Boxing Cl:

--Newport News Boxing Club is located at 9513 or Warwick Blvd. -369-5814 or 206-8709

Friday February 25, 2011 11:28 Coach Jones NN Boxing Cl

11:28

BootcampFitness:

I use a warehouse in Hampton, city parks and beaches and gymnasiums in Hampton and Newport News. I can be reached at 814-6068 and www.kpbootcamp.com

Friday February 25, 2011 11:28 BootcampFitness

11:28

Prue:

Coach Jones -- Do you have any women working out in your gym? Is it all individual or do you have group classes?

Friday February 25, 2011 11:28 Prue

11:29

[Comment From DPDP: ]

When I first Started with BootCamp fitness I had just quit smoking a year before and was 20 pounds heavier, this gives me great energy and lots of focus

Friday February 25, 2011 11:29 DP

11:29

BootcampFitness:

Thank you for the positive feedback "Guest DP"

Friday February 25, 2011 11:29 BootcampFitness

11:30

Prue:

Kelli -- what combination of routines do you recommend for those getting fit? How often/long should you work out? Like, should you box every day or do different things?

Friday February 25, 2011 11:30 Prue

11:30

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

My left side is much weaker than my right. Any suggestions for what I can do?

Friday February 25, 2011 11:30 Guest

11:31

BootcampFitness:

I believe that variety is key. Muscle confusion is good for the body. Length of time for workouts depends on the physical history, but can be modified and progressed to one hour at least 3 times per week.

Friday February 25, 2011 11:31 BootcampFitness

11:32

[Comment From EmmyEmmy: ]

I just took my first Bootcamp class with Kelli on Wednesday and loved it!!!!! She is a great motivator and challenges individuals of ALL fitness levels.

Friday February 25, 2011 11:32 Emmy

11:33

BootcampFitness:

Using weight resistance for your left side will help achieve the strength you need to compensate for the higher strength on your right side. (answering guest question)

It depends on the individual, but a beginner would be 3 to 5 pound weights progressing to 8 and then 10

Friday February 25, 2011 11:36 BootcampFitness

11:36

[Comment From georgegeorge: ]

how long do you have to train before you're ready to fight

Friday February 25, 2011 11:36 george

11:37

Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu:

That all depends on you George, on avg. about 3mo.

Friday February 25, 2011 11:37 Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu

11:38

Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu:

It will take 6 wks just to get in boxing shape

Friday February 25, 2011 11:38 Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu

11:38

Prue:

How are 'fights' organized -- by weight? by age? experience?

Friday February 25, 2011 11:38 Prue

11:38

Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu:

All of the above

Friday February 25, 2011 11:38 Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu

11:38

Prue:

What's the most important skill for a boxer --is it footwork?

Friday February 25, 2011 11:38 Prue

11:38

[Comment From Syd ViciousSyd Vicious: ]

As an old comer to Bootcamp fitness ;) I would like to thank you for the 71lb weight-loss. With alot of hard work, commitment, and motivation from Kelli Paul and the great people in class it was the best thing I could have ever done for myself

Friday February 25, 2011 11:38 Syd Vicious

11:38

Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu:

We like to call the Bouts fights sounds so brutal.

Friday February 25, 2011 11:38 Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu

11:38

Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu:

them

Friday February 25, 2011 11:38 Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu

11:39

Prue:

I knew I was using the wrong word!!

Friday February 25, 2011 11:39 Prue

11:39

Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu:

lol

Friday February 25, 2011 11:39 Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu

11:39

[Comment From Russ HodgeRuss Hodge: ]

What is the charge for the classes and is there a membership or rental fee? Also is there a scedual?

Friday February 25, 2011 11:39 Russ Hodge

11:39

BootcampFitness:

I love Bouts...awesome

Friday February 25, 2011 11:39 BootcampFitness

11:40

Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu:

It's $60 per mo. $20 reg fee train whenever you want no contract yor welcomme to use all eqiuptment free of charge

Friday February 25, 2011 11:40 Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu

11:41

Prue:

Readers: We have just a few minutes left to ask questions of our two boxing/fitness experts. If you can't stay for the whole chat, be sure to check out the full transcript afterwards at www.dailypress.com/health and click on the tab, Archived Live Web Chats.

Friday February 25, 2011 11:41 Prue

11:41

[Comment From DonnieDonnie: ]

What are some of the most common mistakes in technique and form that you seen in beginner boxers?

Friday February 25, 2011 11:41 Donnie

11:41

BootcampFitness:

Classes are charged per session or four classes in bulk. I personally believe fitness should be affordable, therefore you are more apt to stick with it and see the rewards...$15 for one class, or $48 for four. Private Sessions are $40.

Friday February 25, 2011 11:41 BootcampFitness

11:42

Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu:

were open almost all day and you train when you want to we have 4 coaches available as well

Friday February 25, 2011 11:42 Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu

11:42

Prue:

When you say "all day" -- what are the approximate hours?

Friday February 25, 2011 11:42 Prue

11:43

Prue:

Can you answer Donnie's question about beginner form?

Friday February 25, 2011 11:43 Prue

11:43

Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu:

We are a real boxing gym we do competitive training programs 4 all and no you dont have to get hit.

Friday February 25, 2011 11:43 Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu

11:43

BootcampFitness:

Beginning boxers have to learn proper mechanics FIRST...safety is key

Friday February 25, 2011 11:43 BootcampFitness

11:44

Prue:

Also, what changes can you expect to see in your body if you follow a regular boxing regimen

Friday February 25, 2011 11:44 Prue

11:44

Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu:

I'm there from 9-12 and 3-8 by appt also

Friday February 25, 2011 11:44 Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu

11:45

[Comment From BarbBarb: ]

What's the address and do you offer 1st free?

Friday February 25, 2011 11:45 Barb

11:45

Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu:

first with any fitness routine you will feel great!!!

Friday February 25, 2011 11:45 Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu

11:45

Prue:

Barb is asking Coach Jones about the address and if first session is free?

Friday February 25, 2011 11:45 Prue

11:45

BootcampFitness:

Boxing is a great form of cardiovascular fitness and muscle toning

Friday February 25, 2011 11:45 BootcampFitness

11:45

Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu:

Your body will become more toned and defifined

Friday February 25, 2011 11:45 Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu

11:45

Prue:

Is there anyone that you wouldn't recommend boxing for? Age restriction?

Friday February 25, 2011 11:45 Prue

11:46

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

do you recommend taking supplements for musclebuilding. What diet tips do yu have

Friday February 25, 2011 11:46 Guest

11:46

Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu:

9513 Warwick Blvd and yes you can come in for 1 sessions free

Friday February 25, 2011 11:46 Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu

11:47

Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu:

-or can call me at -

Friday February 25, 2011 11:47 Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu

11:47

Prue:

Should people make an appointment or can they just walk in?

Friday February 25, 2011 11:47 Prue

11:47

BootcampFitness:

I personally do not believe in using supplements...using natural whole foods and vitamins within your fitness life is crucial

Friday February 25, 2011 11:47 BootcampFitness

11:48

Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu:

I personally don't but they work for some just a healthy diet and a multi vitamin will do the trick

Friday February 25, 2011 11:48 Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu

11:48

Prue:

I've been in gyms where I've seen people punching a pad held by someone else as they walk -- what is the purpose of this?

Friday February 25, 2011 11:48 Prue

11:49

Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu:

Kelli I may take a Boot camp class or 2 love to cross train.

Friday February 25, 2011 11:49 Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu

11:49

BootcampFitness:

This gives them a focal point and a form of resistance to aim for.

Friday February 25, 2011 11:49 BootcampFitness

11:49

BootcampFitness:

I use this technique quite often.

Friday February 25, 2011 11:49 BootcampFitness

11:49

Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu:

We call them working the pads

Friday February 25, 2011 11:49 Coach Jones NN Boxing Clu

11:50

Prue:

How is it different from having a stationary pad or bag?

Friday February 25, 2011 11:50 Prue

11:50

BootcampFitness:

Lloyd...I would love to get together!

Friday February 25, 2011 11:50 BootcampFitness

11:50

BootcampFitness:

They have to use hand/eye coordination and it also keeps the heart rate elevated.

Friday February 25, 2011 11:50 BootcampFitness

11:51

Prue:

Are there any exercise DVDs that you recommend?

Friday February 25, 2011 11:51 Prue

11:51

Newport News Boxing Club:

the pads is what really gets by boxers sharp as far as timing we use them alot close to a bout

Friday February 25, 2011 11:51 Newport News Boxing Club

11:52

BootcampFitness:

I also Coach with Beachbody and personally promote their products as further training for those that cannot attend my classes.

Friday February 25, 2011 11:52 BootcampFitness

11:52

Prue:

What is Beachbody?

Friday February 25, 2011 11:52 Prue

11:52

Newport News Boxing Club:

NO! Theres is nothing like being there live a dvd cant motivate you

Friday February 25, 2011 11:52 Newport News Boxing Club

11:52

BootcampFitness:

These are P90X, Insanity, TurboFire...etc.

Friday February 25, 2011 11:52 BootcampFitness

11:53

BootcampFitness:

BUT, I do agree 100% with Lloyd, which is why I am their personal Coach with their Beachbody DVD's

Friday February 25, 2011 11:53 BootcampFitness

11:53

Newport News Boxing Club:

And u can sit on the couch and it a burgere and watch them, go to agym bootcamp or something of the kind

Friday February 25, 2011 11:53 Newport News Boxing Club

11:53

Prue:

Experts: We're near the end of our chat. Please give your contact information again -- how people can reach you and get started on a fitness regimen.